A Noted Performance: The Vineyard Haven Band

An hour before the start of the Vineyard Haven Band's first performance on Sunday, a small crowd has gathered at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, waiting to hear the Vineyard Haven Band hit its first note.

As showtime approaches, approximatley 20 people take to the gazebo, dressed in blue polos with “The Vineyard Haven Band” stitched in gold.

A Vineyard tradition since 1868, the group is made up of amateur and professional musicians all sharing a passion for music. This is their first performance of the season, but there are plenty more to come. The band alternates Sunday performance dates atand , in Vineyard Haven, throughout the season—with a few special performance dates sprinkled in for good measure.

Shauna Nute is a guidance counselor by day, but a baritone horn player by night. 

Equipped with trumpet earrings and a leather case she walks towards the gazebo prepared to perform.

“I’ve played in the band since I was going into high school,” Nute said. “I like to play that’s why I’m here, it’s something I’ve always done.”

A full schedule of the Vineyard Haven Band's performance dates can be seen below.

July 3 — Oak Bluffs, Ocean Park at 8 p.m.

July 4 — Edgartown Concert, Whaling Church at 7:30 p.m.

July 10 — Vineyard Haven, Owen Park at 8 p.m.

July 17 — Oak Bluffs, Ocean Park at 8 p.m.

July 24 — Vineyard Haven, Owen Park at 8 p.m.

July 31 — Oak Bluffs, Ocean Park at 8 p.m.

August 7 — Vineyard Haven, Owen Park at 8 p.m.

August 14 — Oak Bluffs, Ocean Park at 8 p.m.

August 17— Illumination Night, Oak Bluffs, Tabernacle at 7 p.m. (Rain Date: 8/18)

August 19 — Fireworks, Oak Blufs, Ocean Park at 7:30 p.m. (Rain Date: 8/20)

August 21 — Vineyard Haven, Owen Park at 8 p.m.